Written answers

Tuesday, 9 October 2007

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Victims Commission

8:00 pm

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the best way the perpetrators of crime might compensate their victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22557/07]

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will ensure that victims of crime are compensated for criminal wrongs committed against them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22561/07]

Photo of Brian Lenihan JnrBrian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 178 and 197 together.

As the Deputy will appreciate, the question of how offenders might best compensate their victims is not a straightforward one. The Courts may on occasion make orders requiring that compensation be paid to a victim and a civil action for damages can also in principle be taken. The reality, however, is that it will rarely be straightforward to obtain financial redress in this fashion. It is in large part for this reason that the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme exists. The Compensation Tribunal is in a position to provide compensation to victims of violent crime and has a budget of €4.388 million in 2007.

The Programme for Government contains a number of commitments in respect of advancing compensation arrangements for victims and it is my intention to pursue these undertakings following further study over the course of my term of office. These steps will be taken against the backdrop of a range of complementary measures to improve supports for the victims of crime. I should also mention that the National Commission for Restorative Justice, established earlier this year to consider the application of the concept of restorative justice in the Irish Criminal Justice System, is due to submit an interim report in the coming months and a final report in 2008. Its findings will also of course be of relevance in considering how best to deal with the aftermath of an offence.

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